By Pauline Castaneda

It’s “better to give than to receive” is what the Christmas season reminds us ceaselessly. Hence, for many people, donating to various charities is a top priority.

There are all sorts of ways to share your personal time and blessings this Christmas. Below, we’ve made a shortlist of some of these Philippine-based charitable causes you may consider:

• Feed the Hungry (Project Pearls)

How to Help:

1. Donate.
2. Volunteer to help its Daily Soup Kitchen, which is held every weekday and Saturday at Helping Land, Temporary Housing, Brgy. 105, Tondo, Manila.

• Help Children In Need (Virlanie)

How to Help:

1. Donate.
2. Sponsor a child.
3. Volunteer your time to play and teach the children.
4. Invite the Virlanie choir to sing at your event. (Contact choir@virlanie.org)
5. Hold a party in Virlanie or take the children out on a field trip.

• Send Toys to Children (Museo Pambata)

How to Help:

1. Donate new or old but usable toys and children’s books to Museo Pambata until December 14, 2018.
2. Drop off at the museum lobby or administrative office (Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila).
3. Organize a toy drive within your community; contact the Programs Department (632) 523-1797/98 loc. 103 or email info@museopambata.org.

• Adopt a Pet (Cara Welfare Philippines)

How to Help:

1. Adopt a dog/cat.
2. Donate.
3. Volunteer.

• Share Your Talents And Skills (Hands On Manila)

How to Help:

1. Donate.
2. Volunteer.

Hands On Manila has different programs where your talents and skills can be of advantage. Orientations are held last Thursday of the month.

• Plant a Tree (Haribon Foundation)

How to Help:

1. Adopt a seedling.
2. Give a Gift Tree.
3. Nurture a tree.